Being creative in our lives

"Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen, and thinking what no one else has thought."
                                                                                  - Albert Einstein -


We are all creative, whether we realize it or not. It is part of human nature to constantly assess and evaluate each situation in life and find a creative way to accomplish or improve it. Sometimes, it's so instinctive we don't realize we're doing it.

Many of us think creativity is exclusive to artists, writers and musicians. However, it takes the same amount of creativity to raise children, manage a household, run a business or any other activity that makes up our lives.

Research has shown that participating in creative activities can increase our well-being in a number of ways -

* It engages us in the moment and helps us stay focused on our lives. It calms our nervous system, reduces stress and anxiety and helps restore balance.

* It strengthens our feelings of self-worth and because we feel fulfilled, our happiness expands into the rest of our lives and we have better relationships.

* It increases our focus on positive life experiences and opens us up to new possibilities and opportunities.

* It helps build character through effort, persistence and dedication and these are highly transferrable skills.

* It requires us to seek new ideas, new ways of doing things and continual learning and growth.

So come up with creative ideas and ways to make your life more fun and enjoyable. It will improve your physical, mental and emotional health.

Remember you are a creative person and...

we were created to be creative!

Life is a blank canvas

"Life is a blank canvas, and you need to throw all the paint on it you can."
                                                                                   - Danny Kaye -

As the New Year begins, I look at my life and my future and I see a blank canvas before me. It's up to me to decide what picture I paint on it.

As with all blank canvases we are faced with the anxiety of what we should paint. What is the picture we see? We are also faced with the fear of making a mistake and ruining the picture. Facing the unknown can be frightening.

Yes...with all new beginnings there is that element of fear, but there is also a sense of excitement. The excitement of a new adventure, a new opportunity to do something you always wanted to do and the ability to change your situation.

I look at the canvas before me and realize that I am not alone in the decision of that picture. There are loved ones to take into consideration. My grandchildren are watching my every move, the choices I make and how I live my life. I am an example to them.

So...Grandma is not going to worry about the future or dwell on the past. That is all out of my control. I'm going to put my faith and trust in God, pick up my paintbrush and throw all the paint I can at that canvas!!!.